Re: [CR] honesty in advertising Ebay style

(Example: Framebuilders:Doug Fattic)

Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:13:37 +0200
From: "Steve Maas" <bikestuff@nonlintec.com>
To: CR <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <B8A16D9807634A7D9A62C8A66E721886@ToshibaLaptop>
In-Reply-To:
Subject: Re: [CR] honesty in advertising Ebay style


Well, I wouldn't want to use it, but I know people who would, and as long as the condition is clear from the photos, I think the posting makes it over the bar. The buyer certainly knows what he's getting.

I once bought a chainring that was advertised as "almost new, only a couple hundred miles of use." Photos were not terribly revealing. When I received it, I just tossed it into the recycling bin--probably the most worn out bicycle component I've ever seen. That kind of situation is fundamentally different, and I think it's worthwhile not to confuse the two.

Steve Maas Göteborg, Sweden

Steven Maasland wrote:
> Check out this ebay auction for what should normally be a very collectible item: a first generation Campagnolo cotterless BB, from the late 50's
>
> http://ebay.com/<blah>
>
> Does the description: "Used in ok condition." seem plausible to anybody? To me the whole thing is completely shot, axle and cups. You might want it as a collector's item, but no way something in that condition is ever going in any of my bikes.
>
> It seems like the seller Stefan is aware of the issue as he then further downgrades the condition when he subsequently writes: "Used condition. Bearings show signs but running surface is overall ok and should be useable."
>
> Steven Maasland
> Moorestown, NJ
> USA